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Event Planning on Hilton Head Island: Large and Small Groups

By Hilton Head Insider

Planning a special event on Hilton Head Island is more than just organizing a gathering. It's about creating a truly memorable experience in one of the most picturesque settings in the Lowcountry. With a combined 150,000 square feet of event space, our island has venues to suit gatherings of all sizes. Whether your vision includes a beachfront wedding at a AAA-approved resort, a corporate event at a full-service hotel, or a private dinner at an off-site venue, America’s Favorite Island® has everything you need to bring your vision to life. 

Read on to explore some of the best venues on Hilton Head Island for grand events, intimate gatherings, and everything in between.
 

1. Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebrations

For moments that deserve nothing less than extraordinary, Hilton Head Island offers several venues to host larger-than-life celebrations. When your event calls for elegance, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa features a spacious oceanfront deck, a 13,000-square-foot grand ballroom, and award-winning catering, ideal for milestone birthdays, anniversary parties, or elegant corporate galas. 

For a celebration in the heart of the Lowcountry, Montage Palmetto Bluff a 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star resort nestled along the May River — offers unparalleled natural beauty within a 20,000-acre maritime forest, making it an exceptional choice for creating lasting memories in an iconic South Carolina setting.

2. Weddings on the Beach

Imagine exchanging vows with your toes in the sand and the sound of waves in the background. For couples dreaming of a beachside wedding, our island is brimming with enchanting venues to say “I do.” The Sea Pines Resort offers an idyllic beachside wedding venue in front of the Sea Pines Beach Club, where you can celebrate your special day surrounded by the majestic Atlantic Ocean. Beach House Hilton Head Island provides a lively, oceanfront atmosphere with beachside venues like The Oceanfront Deck, ideal for both small and large celebrations.

To explore more beachside wedding venues and access planning resources, visit our wedding page for all the inspiration and information you need to create your perfect day!

beach

3. Business Meetings & Conferences

Transform your business meetings and conferences into unforgettable experiences with venues like the Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond oceanfront property. Located in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, it’s the island's largest full-service resort and conference facility, perfect for business conferences, trade shows, or corporate events. With over 47,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, accommodations for 1,900 guests, and a professional event planning team, this venue ensures your meeting or conference is a success from start to finish. 

Additional standout options include the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort and the Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort, both offering expansive conference facilities with all the amenities needed to leave a lasting impression on your attendees.
 

4. Intimate Gatherings & Family Reunions

Looking to host a family reunion? Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, set on a sprawling 2,000-acre oceanfront expanse, features pristine beaches and top-tier golf and tennis facilities that cater to all ages. Enhance your gathering by renting a private villa or home, providing an ideal backdrop for cherished family moments and quality time together.

For a cozier gathering, Skull Creek Dockside Restaurant offers a charming waterfront setting ideal for family get-togethers. Resembling an old-style river house, it boasts a spacious covered patio where guests can enjoy the Lowcountry climate and stunning views of Skull Creek. Adding to the experience, the restaurant includes a family recreation featuring a stage for live music and a Shrimp Boat playground, ensuring fun and entertainment for all ages.

a multigenerational family standing outside of a vacation home

5. Venues for Corporate Retreats

Business retreats on Hilton Head Island provide the perfect balance of work and relaxation in a setting that inspires productivity and well-being. The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island features a variety of meeting rooms and event spaces, including the Oceanfront Pavilion, perfect for blending work with relaxation in a beautiful beachfront setting. This venue is equipped with high-speed internet, cutting-edge audiovisual technology, and top-notch catering services, ensuring that your retreat runs smoothly and keeps your team energized.

The Golf Club at Indigo Run delivers an exclusive retreat experience, where private golf outings and tailored team-building activities unfold in a peaceful, scenic environment. Known as "the golf island," Hilton Head Island boasts more than 26 world-class courses in the Lowcountry, making this venue a standout choice for seamlessly blending productivity with relaxation. Your team will leave feeling refreshed and connected, perfectly aligned with the island’s refined and laid-back spirit.
 

6. Unique Venues for Special Events

If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, the Coastal Discovery Museum, set on the historic Honey Horn property, features charming indoor spaces and beautiful outdoor gardens, including a 4,000-square-foot covered pavilion. For a more nautical experience, Outside Hilton Head offers private events aboard a yacht, where you can enjoy a delicious menu and stunning Lowcountry scenery while a professional planner handles every detail.

Meet on Island Time

With versatile venues for gatherings of all sizes, pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and a variety of outdoor activities, Hilton Head Island offers endless opportunities for both work and play. Reach out to our team to start planning your next unforgettable event. For a complete list of accommodations, activities, and attractions on America’s Favorite Island®, request your copy of the Hilton Head Island Vacation Planner. 

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